Wednesday, June 4 : Saint Jerome

“They that uselessly observe vanities have forsaken their own mercy” (cf. Jon 2:9 LXX). By nature God is merciful and ready to save through clemency those whom he is unable to save by justice. As for us, through our vice we lose the mercy reserved for us and offering itself to us. (…) Although mercy may be offended, namely God Himself, for “God is merciful and good, patient and full of pity” (cf. Ps 144:8 LXX), yet mercy does not abandon those attached to vanities, she does not curse them, but waits for them to return, while they intentionally abandon the mercy which is in front of them. (…) “But I will sacrifice to thee with the voice of praise and thanksgiving. All that I have vowed I will pay to thee, Lord of my salvation” (cf. Jon 2:10 LXX). (…) But I, who have been devoured for the salvation of the many, in offering myself will offer a sacrifice in accents of praise and thanksgiving. For “Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed” (1 Cor 5:7). True Pontiff and Lamb, he offered himself for us. — And I will give you thanks, he says, as I gave you thanks when I said: “I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth” (cf. Mt 11:25) and fulfil those vows I made for the salvation of all, so that “nothing you have given me should ever perish” (cf. Jn 6:39) We see what, in his passion, the Lord promised for our salvation. Let us not make Jesus a liar, and let us be pure, detached from all sin, so that he may offer us to God, to whom he had promised us.
Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team